F1: Possible tire strategies for the Belgian GP

The 44 laps of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa can be tackled with either a one-stop or a two-stop strategy, although there are different permutations of one-stopper possible, along with a more aggressive two-stop strategy.

So far weather conditions have been variable, but tomorrow should be a bit warmer, with the tactical picture made more complex by the fact that a number of fast cars will be starting from the back due to grid penalties.

Don’t be surprised if Verstappen, who has two new sets of reds remaining, does not choose a Soft-Medium-Soft strategy

Starting on the Pirelli P Zero Yellow medium is the most flexible approach, which gives the option to switch to either the P Zero White hard or the P Zero Red soft as part of a one-stopper, while leaving the door open for a two-stopper if needed. Starting on the soft doesn’t exclude a one-stopper, but it requires either an early stop for the hard or careful management to then go on the medium.

#44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG Team F1 during the Belgian GP, 25-28 August 2022 at Spa-Francorchamps track, Formula 1 World championship 2022.

A different and more aggressive approach could be to use the soft as a part of two-stopper, perhaps with two stints on the medium tire. This might compromise track position but could be a good option for a fast car if there is a safety car, or degradation on the soft turns out to be quite high.

That will be largely dependent on the weather conditions, but tomorrow is likely to be run in conditions that none of the teams have experienced yet.

Tires Remaining for Race